Nov 15
Prioritising Men’s Health in Aged Care: Essential IPC Measures for a Safer Environment
Men in aged care face unique health challenges that require careful management and supportive care practices. Common health concerns include prostate health, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are crucial to addressing these health needs safely and effectively, allowing male residents to live longer, happier, and more comfortably.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are crucial to addressing these health needs safely and effectively, allowing male residents to live longer, happier, and more comfortably.
This guide covers essential IPC measures aged care facilities should implement to support men’s health. With the right strategies, staff can create a safer environment, reduce infection risks, and enhance the quality of life for elderly male residents.
1. Prostate Health: Preventing Infections and Ensuring Comfort
Prostate health issues, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, are common among older men, and these conditions can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
IPC Measures for Prostate Health:
- Routine Screening and Infection Prevention: Regular health screenings, including prostate exams, can catch early signs of infection or prostate complications. Being aware of common signs and symptoms of UTIs ensures early detection, allows for prompt treatment, and minimises discomfort.
- Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When assisting residents with catheter care, staff should wear gloves and follow strict hand hygiene practices to prevent cross-contamination.
- Safe Catheter Management: For residents with catheters, consistent catheter care is essential. Staff should regularly disinfect catheters, ensure bags are emptied regularly, handle them with clean gloves, and follow hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of infection.
By prioritising prostate health and infection prevention, aged care facilities can ensure a comfortable and safer environment for male residents.
2. Heart Disease: Safe Practices for Monitoring and Preventing Infections
Heart disease is a leading health issue among older men, and regular monitoring and preventive care are essential. IPC measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection, particularly when residents require ongoing care.
IPC Measures for Heart Health:
- Decontaminate Equipment: Blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and other monitoring devices should be cleaned and disinfected between residents to prevent cross-contamination.
- Encourage Physical Activity in Clean, Safe Spaces: Physical activity is beneficial for heart health. Facilities should ensure exercise areas are cleaned regularly and exercise equipment, like handrails and mats, are disinfected after use.
- Routine Hand Hygiene During Care: Staff should practice the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene when helping residents with heart-related health checks. Clean hands reduce the risk of bacterial transfer, which is particularly important for heart patients.
With a focus on clean equipment and proper hand hygiene, aged care providers can help manage heart health in male residents while minimising infection risks.
3. Diabetes Management: Infection Control for a Safer Care Routine
Diabetes is common in aged care, and infection risks are heightened for diabetic residents due to slower healing and compromised immunity. Implementing IPC measures can protect diabetic residents from complications that impact their quality of life.
IPC Measures for Diabetes Care:
- Decontaminate Blood Sugar Monitors: Blood glucose meters and other equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between uses. This is especially important when shared among residents, as it helps prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Proper Wound Care for Foot Health: Diabetic residents are prone to diabetic ulcers. Staff should use gloves and maintain strict hand hygiene when handling diabetic wounds to prevent infections.
- Balanced Diet with Clean Meal Preparation: A nutritious diet helps manage blood sugar levels. Ensure kitchen staff adhere to hygiene protocols, such as washing hands, using clean utensils, and sanitising food prep areas, to prevent foodborne infections.
By managing diabetes with these IPC practices, aged care facilities can ensure that diabetic residents stay healthier and enjoy a better quality of life.
4. Respiratory Health: Reducing Infection Risks in Cold and Flu Season
Respiratory infections are particularly risky for older men with chronic health conditions. IPC measures aimed at respiratory health can reduce the risk of flu, pneumonia, and other infections in aged care settings.
IPC Measures for Respiratory Health:
- Use of Masks and Respiratory Hygiene: During cold and flu season we need to be vigulant with signs and symptoms of Respiratory illness. Respiratory hygiene such as wearing masks and covering coughs and sneezes, can further reduce transmission risks. Hand hygiene is especially important after coughing and sneezing.
- Regular Disinfection of Shared Spaces: Common areas and high-touch surfaces, like door handles and handrails, should be disinfected daily to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. This is especially important in shared living spaces.
- Ventilation: COVID-19 taught us a lot about ventilation and the benefits of fresh air. Ensure windows and doors are open where possible, to help improve air quality within the aged care setting.
- Promote Vaccinations: Encourage flu vaccinations for both staff and residents to protect against seasonal respiratory infections. Vaccinations create a safer environment for everyone, especially vulnerable residents with respiratory issues.
With these respiratory health practices in place, aged care facilities can protect their male residents from infections that could otherwise worsen existing health conditions.
5. Mental Health: Creating a Safe, Supportive Environment for Social Interaction
Mental health challenges, such as depression and loneliness, are common in aged care. While IPC measures focus primarily on physical health, they also play a role in creating safe spaces for social interaction, which is crucial for mental well-being.
IPC Measures to Support Mental Health:
- Clean and Safe Social Spaces: Regularly clean and disinfect communal areas, such as lounges and activity rooms, to provide safe spaces for residents to socialise and engage in group activities.
- Hygiene in One-on-One Counselling or Therapy: For residents receiving counselling or mental health support, ensure that counselling rooms are cleaned between sessions and that any shared materials are disinfected.
- Encouraging Outdoor Activities: Fresh air and outdoor activities can boost mental well-being. Ensure outdoor seating areas and walking paths are maintained and cleaned, making them inviting for residents while reducing infection risks.
By providing clean and comfortable spaces for social engagement, facilities can support the mental health of male residents while minimising infection risks.
Conclusion
Supporting men’s health in aged care requires a comprehensive approach to infection prevention and control. By implementing these essential IPC measures, facilities can create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where male residents can thrive. From prostate health and heart care to managing diabetes and supporting mental well-being, infection prevention practices protect residents and enhance their quality of life.
For aged care facilities looking to strengthen their IPC practices, the IPS HUB offers valuable resources and training to ensure that staff are well-equipped to support residents' health and safety.
Try the IPS HUB 7-Day Free Trial HERE and see how infection control measures can help improve the well-being of your residents.
Lyndon Forrest
Managing Director | CEO
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Lyndon is the Managing Director of Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 30 years' experience supporting aged care providers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a background spanning outbreak response, compliance, and infection risk management — alongside hands-on experience leading teams, managing multi-site operations, and navigating business turnaround — he understands both the clinical and organisational pressures aged care providers face. Lyndon holds a Master of Commerce (Industrial Relations), and applies that foundation to the people, process, and growth challenges that come with running a complex healthcare services business.
He is passionate about building the systems and capability that make infection prevention sustainable — not just compliant — and about helping organisations grow their confidence alongside their practice.
Lyndon's focus is straightforward: strengthen operations, develop the right people, and drive proactive infection prevention strategies that protect residents, staff, and communities for the long term.
Erica Callaghan
Marketing Manager
Erica Callaghan is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Erica Callaghan is a dedicated professional with a rich background in agriculture and nutrient management. Growing up on her family's farm in Mid Canterbury, she developed a deep passion for farming. She currently resides on her partner's arable property in South Canterbury.
In 2017, Erica joined the Farm Sustainability team, focusing on nutrient management and environmental stewardship. In February 2024, she became the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Bug Control New Zealand - Infection Prevention Services, where her passion now includes improving infection prevention outcomes.
Outside of work, Erica loves cooking and traveling, often combining her culinary interests with her explorations in Italy and Vietnam. She enjoys entertaining family and friends and remains actively involved in farm activities, especially during harvest season.
Toni Sherriff
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Toni is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Infection Prevention and Control. Her career began as a kitchen hand and caregiver in Aged Care facilities, followed by earning a Bachelor of Nursing.
Toni has significant experience, having worked in Brisbane’s Infectious Diseases ward before returning home to New Zealand, where she continued her career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control within Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
Toni brings her expertise and dedication to our team, which is instrumental in providing top-tier infection prevention solutions to our clients.
Julie Hadfield
Accounts & Payroll
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Julie is experienced in Accounts & Payroll Administration & after a long career in both the Financial & Local Government Sectors, is now working with our team. Julie brings her strong time management & organisational skills to our team, which is important to keep the company running in the background to enable the rest of our team to provide top notch service to all of our clients.
Andrea Murray
Content Editor
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
I attended Otago University in NZ and graduated as a Dental Surgeon. After 40 years in the profession, I retired in 2022. Infection prevention knowledge was part of everyday practice, dealing with sterilisation, hand hygiene, and cleaning.
Before retiring, I began doing some editing and proofreading for Bug Control as I am interested in the subject and in the English language. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I attended the ACIPC course "Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control", which increased my interest in the subject. I now work part-time as the Content Editor for the company.
Personally, I lived in the UK for 10 years. My two children were born in Scotland, and now both are living in Europe, one in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. I live close to Fairlie on the South Island of NZ, a beautiful part of the country, and I love being out of the city.
Princess
Customer Support
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Princess began her career as a dedicated Customer Service Representative, honing her communication and problem-solving skills. She later transitioned into a Literary Specialist role, where she developed a keen eye for detail. Her journey then led her to a Sales Specialist position, where she excelled in client relations.
Now, as a Customer Support professional in Infection Prevention Services. Princess focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction, building loyalty, and enhancing the overall customer journey.
Dianne Newey
Senior Infection Prevention and Control Consultant
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Dianne is a Senior Clinical Consultant at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing over 35 years of nursing experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that most people would need two careers to accumulate.
Having served as Clinical Director at Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Hospital alongside a career spanning the full breadth of clinical practice, Dianne has seen it all — and more importantly, knows exactly what to do about it. She is the person in the room that everyone quietly hopes will speak first.
For more than seven years she has been a cornerstone of the IPS team, providing clinical advice, developing and reviewing policies and procedures, delivering monthly IPC webinars to IP Leads, and conducting environmental audits in aged care facilities across Australia and New Zealand. If infection prevention has a question, Dianne almost certainly has the answer — and she'll deliver it with a laugh that you'll hear from the other end of the corridor.
A true fountain of knowledge, wrapped in the kind of warmth and humour that only three decades of nursing can produce. Customers don't just trust Dianne — they look forward to hearing from her.
Caoimhe (Keva) Stewart
Clinical & Business Operations Manager
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Caoimhe is the Clinical & Business Operations Manager at Infection Prevention Services (IPS), bringing a clinical background as a Registered Nurse across the UK and Australia — and an almost unsettling ability to make technology do exactly what she wants.
With experience in Occupational Health, Palliative Care, and Community Nursing, she understands the real challenges faced by healthcare teams. What she may lack in stature she more than makes up for in impact — Caoimhe is the kind of person who walks into a problem, sizes it up, and has three solutions before anyone else has finished reading the brief.
Customers love her. Not just because she delivers — though she always does — but because she genuinely cares about the outcome on the other side. She is passionate about creating seamless learning experiences and empowering organisations with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve care outcomes.
Small in size. Mighty in results. Completely irreplaceable.
Bridgette Mackie
Clinical Nurse Educator
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.
Bridgette is an experienced New Zealand Registered Nurse, qualified Healthcare Auditor, and Healthcare Educator with a strong background in clinical quality, competency assessment, and infection prevention. She has led large-scale OSCE and CAP training programmes for internationally qualified nurses, developed sector-specific educational resources, and coordinated HealthCERT audit preparation in the surgical sector.
Known for her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for supporting learners, Bridgette excels at making complex topics accessible and relevant. She blends operational leadership with a deep commitment to professional development and safe, effective practice.